Palisades Medical Center (PMC) held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 28 for their new Pediatric Unit that became fully operational at 1 p.m. The new unit was reconstructed for young patients, with elegant, comfortable rooms that were designed to further enhance the healing process. It also includes four additional patient beds, a playroom, and a new security system.

“Our new Pediatrics Unit will feature a better healing environment for our youngest patients with patient-focused amenities, including areas for family games and activities,” said President and CEO of PMC Bruce J. Markowitz in a press release. “The new unit will enable our Pediatrics Department to better manage its resources and services to ensure a specialized, child-friendly environment is always available for our community.”

Years in the making

PMC has experienced a 77-percent increase in pediatric patients over the years, making a new unit imperative. According to Markowitz, the unit cost $1 million to build, half of it raised by donations.

The hospital got input from the community and medical staff to create the Pediatrics Unit.

“The growth and the support for Palisades Medical Center and the Pediatric Unit surpassed what we even expected,” said Markowitz at the ribbon cutting ceremony. “There’s a strong need in the community for pediatric services.”

“Caring for our kids is our most important duty as physicians.” – Omar Baker, MD of Riverside Pediatric Group

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“Palisades Medical Center’s new Pediatric Unit will be the first choice for practitioners and patients alike in Hudson County,” said Omar Baker, MD of Riverside Pediatric Group in a press release. “Caring for our kids is our most important duty as physicians, and Palisades Medical Center is committed to this by evidence of the most recent expansion and renovation of what is now the best pediatric unit in all of Hudson County.”